What does it really mean to be a lifer in climbing? Is strength training just a trend, or is it the key to climbing longevity?

In this episode, I sit down with climbing coach and longtime boulderer Jesse Firestone to talk about how his approach to training has evolved over nearly two decades. We dive into the hard lessons from injuries, the shift from chasing grades to building a sustainable climbing life, and why more climbers should be embracing strength training.

🔹 Why Jesse started lifting—and why he kept lifting
🔹 The myth that climbers don’t need strength training
🔹 How to balance training with projecting & performance seasons
🔹 The mental shift from short-term goals to long-term progression
🔹 The reality of climbing longevity (and why many pros don’t talk about it)

Jesse has coached climbers worldwide, and his take on auto-regulation, RPE, and long-term performance is something every dedicated climber needs to hear. Whether you’re deep in a climbing obsession or trying to figure out how to climb for life, this episode is for you.

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